Marcos ready to reconcile with Dutertes
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed willingness to reconcile with the Duterte family over a feud that was starkly reflected in the outcome of the recently concluded midterm elections - a split vote among candidates of the administration and those supporting the Dutertes.
In a podcast episode released Monday, May 19, Marcos was asked whether he is open to mending fences with his former political ally, and replied with a firm “Oo” (Yes), followed by an explanation of his desire for stability and cooperation.
“Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda. Marami na akong kaaway. Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan,” Marcos said.
[Translation: I don’t want conflict. I want to get along with everyone. That’s better. I already have many enemies. I don’t need enemies. I need friends.]
He said he is always open to discussions and cooperation, even with political rivals.
“Lagi na akong bukas sa ganyan. I’m always open to any approach na, alika, magtulungan tayo. Kahit na hindi tayo magkasundo sa polisiya… gawin nyo yung trabaho pero huwag na tayong nanggugulo,” the president said.
[Translation: I’m always open to that. I’m always open to anyone who says, ‘Come on, let’s work together,’ even if we don’t agree on policies… do your job, but let’s not cause trouble anymore.]
The statement comes amid a fractured relationship between the Marcoses and the Dutertes since 2021. A tandem under the “Uniteam” ticket in the 2022 elections, the relationship between Marcos and Sara Duterte has been acrimonious over a number of issues.
The vice president resigned as education secretary in 2024 and was later on impeached by an administration-controlled House of Representatives.
The feud reached its peak after the administration turned over former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands in March, detained in a facility and awaiting trial.
In November 2024, the vice president said her ties with the president had reached the “point of no return,” accusing the Marcos camp of harassment and plotting her removal from office.
